Page 104 of Shattered Hearts

“We should probably go inside now,” Grayson says, peering out the window again at the impending storm clouds. “It’s going to bucket down in a few minutes.”

“Holden will need some help too,” I remind him as his brother walks around the side of his ute. Seeing us inside, Holden gives us a double take. We take that as our cue to join the rest of the world once again.

Grabbing my bag and jacket, I open the passenger door and pull myself out of the seat when Grayson appears. Helping me, he slams the door shut when Aspen rounds the back of the car in her little ballet outfit. A light purple leotard, white tutu and stockings, my stomach flips at the adorable sight. “I did the splits today!” she announces excitedly.

My grin grows as she jumps up and down. “That’s incredible. I wouldn’t be able to do that,” I tell her, matching her enthusiasm.

“With or without the baby?” I hear Grayson ask behind me.

I reach back and pinch him, gaining a chuckle and a swat at my hand.

Aspen frowns before taking my hand, leading me towards the porch. “Aunt Lay, I could teach you if you want to learn. It’s easy. You just stick your leg out and fall to the ground.”

A snicker escapes me. If only it were that simple. “Maybe another time.”

“Did you want to come with Gran and I to lock up the ducks and chickens?” Aspen asks, already forgetting about her dance class. “Otherwise the foxes will get them.”

“We can’t let that happen,” I agree, walking up the front steps and pushing open the door. Macie meets my eyes before smiling at Aspen.

“How was your ballet?” Macie asks, coming around the couch.

Leaning over, I awkwardly push my boots off, holding onto the wall for support as Aspen tells Macie all about her splits and twirls.

“Did you know that Aunt Lay’s cousin is a ballet teacher?” Macie cuts her off, bending to Aspens’ height as I hang my bag up on a hook. “She teaches at your dance school, too.”

Aspen frowns before shaking her head, looking my way. “My teacher is Ally,” Aspen informs us.

Smiling, I shake my head. “My cousin is Sadie. You know Sadie.”

Her eyes brighten at the name. Hazel scoops her up, a loud giggle cutting through the air as Aspen’s spun around. “I missed you today, monkey.”

“Gran, I did ballet!” Aspen squeals as Hazel gives her strawberries on her neck.

My cheeks hurt from smiling.

Macie faces me. “Just think,” she starts with a grin, “that’ll be Hazel with your kid.”

I know, and I can’t wait to see it.

“Speaking of,” Macie adds, walking back over to the couch. I follow, dropping down beside her. Grayson and Holden walk through the front door, laughing about something. “How did today go? Any improvement?”

Exhaling slowly, I give a small shake of my head. It’s enough of an answer for her. Macie pulls me into her arms, her warmth flooding me, honey scented soap meeting my nose as I nestle in her embrace. “I’m sorry, L.”

Swallowing, I nod. “It’s not anyone’s fault. As Fiona says, sometimes it just happens. Some babies don’t grow as much.”

“Did she say anything about the birth?"

“Yeah. She suggested inducing a few weeks early for the safety of the baby,” I mumble over the sound of Aspen’s giggles and Holden’s laughter. “It will need to stay in the hospital for a few weeks to be monitored closely, but if it’s the best thing for it, then we should do it.”

Macie nods her head against mine when Grayson comes into my line of sight. Crouching in front of us, I wipe the rogue tear that’s threatening to spill down my cheek as he smiles slowly. “I’m going to make everyone some spaghetti for dinner.” My smile grows. “And if you’re feeling up to it, I think we should get some ice cream for dessert.”

“Reid and I can run to the store to grab some while you cook, G,” Macie offers, letting me go and slipping off the couch as Reid comes into view, smiling her way.

“All right, but we’ll have to go now before the storm hits.”

My eyes gravitate towards the window, charcoal clouds spreading. Reid pulls Macie towards the door.

“Don’t be too long,” Hazel calls from the kitchen. “It’s going to be slippery.”